Is anyone getting lab parameters in LTC before placing Midline/PICC? If so, what labs and is there evidence to support this? I worked for a pharmacy where it was policy to get INR, PT and PTT on patients who are on anticoagulants and a platelet count on everyone else.
That is exactly what we require (PT, PTT, INR) as well as a recent CXR to demonstrate surgically implanted devices. The evidence is a bloodly dressing, angry patient and unhappy floor RN's who have to baby sit the bleeding. It's just best practice to do diligence. It's policy at our 5 facilities.